Northwood General is the clever offspring of Northwood , a general store bringing local designers and artists, heritage makers and cherished Canadian-made brands to Christie Pits.

Replacing Life Acupuncture Bodywork, the store is a worthy outpost for coffee, cocktail, and lifestyle items that are genuinely hard to find north of Dundas.

Inside the partially-exposed brick sanctuary on Bloor Street, a maple syrup candle burns a legacy scent that smells earnest and wholehearted.

Northwood owner Richard Pope searched long and hard to collect Canadian-wide gems into a one-stop shop; including everything from Monocle travel guides, Wood Turnco Goods, Chemex coffee makers, homemade gin kits, Tuck Shop Trading items, Smitten Kitten and Leuchtturm1917 notebooks plus jewellery, handbags, hats, watches, apothecary and more.

It's easy to get distracted by the heartwarming display of greeting cards in the center of the shop, painted by visual artist Jamie Ashforth .

These are one of the handfuls of unique gift items under $10 alongside other household knick-knacks and curiosities.

Between barrel aged spirits kits and Chemex coffee makers, there's a subtle sophistication with goods that are progressive and built in traditions.

It's the small details that stand alone; the hand-stitched label, stand-out style, and neat presentation. The atmosphere is one of ease, and I found myself getting lost in a paradise of Canadian-made treasure.

"Pope found things that he knew people were looking for." Stacy Flynn, Manager of Northwood General tells me.

This includes a notable selection of sought-after brands like City of Neighbourhoods, Stay Home Club, Detroit Hustles Harder, Brooklyn Tailors, Penfield and Naked & Famous (to name a few).

Hats for sale gleam under a glass display case of Komono watches. A Jean-Michel Basquiat X Komono watch ($119) feels one-of-a-kind next to Dean Davidson jewelry, Matt & Nat bags, and warm Muttonhead blankets ($110).

In an afternoon bliss of Patsy Cline lullabies and the burning aroma of Pure Maple Syrup candles (100% soy wax obviously), Northwood General is a flattering extension to the beloved cafĂŠ and date night bar across the street.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.